Won't compromise on giving even an inch of land to Myanmar: CM Ibobi
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 28 2013 : Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has assured that the State Government has been pressuring the Centre to settle the boundary dispute between Manipur and Myanmar from time to time, and it would never compromise on giving away even an inch of land to Myanmar authorities.

He was replying to a Calling Attention Motion raised by MLA of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Constituency RK Anand during the ongoing 5th Session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today.

Referring to a series of special reports carried in Hueiyen Lanpao on Manipur-Myanmar border dispute, MLA Anand stated that the people of Manipur are still repentant at the loss of Kabaw Valley to Myanmar and now there is an apprehension of losing Moreh town owing to the boundary issues with Myanmar.

He further said that Myanmar is an important trade partner of India in the backdrop of Look East Policy.

The recent objection from Myanmarese authorities to the construction of Integrated Check Post at Moreh and issue on disappearance of border pillars along Indo-Myanmar boundary should be dealt by the State Government at the highest level in order to bring an amicable solution at the earliest, Anand asserted.

Taking serious note of MLA Ananda's contention, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi clarified that the State Government has been pressuring the Centre from time to time to settle the present boundary issues with Myanmar.

The Government is firm not to compromise on its territorial boundary with any country.

A joint meeting of the Indian and Myanmarese survey teams was held in New Delhi recently, he noted.

He further stated that the boundary issue between Manipur and Myanmar is over Border Pillars No.66, 76, 78, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93 and 94 lying at a stretch of about 10 kilometres.

There is no question of losing the Tamil Temple at Moreh.

The issue over Moreh is a matter of certain inconsistency in some undemarcated portion, Ibobi noted.

Clarifying on the objection from Myanmarese authorities to the construction of Integrated Check Post at Moreh, Chief Minister said that the total area of Moreh ICP is about 45 acres and the claim of Myanmarese authorities would not affect the main site of ICP.

There is no problem in the construction of main building and other infrastructures of ICP, he added.

He further mentioned that the Centre has directed the 9th Sector Assam Rifles to halt the construction of a border gate following objection from the Myanmarese authorities.

India and Myanmar are building friendly ties with each other to enhance trade and commerce and mutual cooperation.

The State Government would further pressurize the Central Government to settle the boundary issues between Manipur and Myanmar at the earliest, Ibobi averred.

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